The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1887-12-03

entire company gathered round in the great
est eagerness.
Without the slightest affectation, she put
her hand on Johns grimy arm, and said:
"Shall tell them, John? They wish to
know about it. 1t saved their lives, they
say"
And milne, too," said John, reyerently.
You had best tell them, or let me-"
She sat down again, and then and there
John explained how the open circuit line
had been built. how it was used. and frankly
told why it had been erected.
Never did story create profounder sensa-
ton. The gentlemen shook hands with him,
and the President actually kissed her for the
company. real corporation kiss, loud and
hearty. The ladies fell upon her neck, and
actually cried over the splendid girl. Even
| the children pulled her dress, and put up
their arms about her neck, and kissed away
the happy tears that covered her cheeks.
Poor child' She was covered with con-
fusion, and knew not what to say or do, and
looked imploringly to John. He drew near,
and proudly took her hand in his, and she
brushed away the tears anti smiled.
The gentlemen suddenly seemed TO have
found something vastly interesting to talk
about, for they gathered in knot in the
corner of the room. Presently the President
said aloud
Gentlemen and directors, YOU must par
don me, and trust the ladies will do the
same, If call you to order for a brief matter
of business"
There was a sudden hush, and the room,
now packed to suffocation, was painfully
quiet.
1.-THE Secretary will please take minutes of
this meeting"
The Secretary sat down at Kate's desk,
and there was little pause.
"Mr. PRESIDENT
Every eye was turned to a corner where a
gray-haired gentleman had mounted a chair.
"Mr. PRESIDENT"
"Mr. Graves, director for the State, gentle
men,"
81 beg leave, sir, to offer resolution"
Then he began to read from slip of paper.
Whereas, John Mills. engineer of engine
number 80 of this railway line, erected a
private telegraph; and, whereas, he, with
the assistance of the telegraph operator of
this station Il leave a blank for her nance
used the said line without the consent of this
company and for other than railway bust
ness;
1t is resolved that he be suspended perma-
nently from his position as engineer, and
that the said operator be requested to
| resign"
A murmer of disapprobation filled the
room, but the President commanded silence,
and the State Director went on.
Resign her place.
1t is further resolved, and is hereby or
dered. that the said John Mills be and is APP
| pointed chief engineer of the new repair
shops at Slawson."
A tremendous cheer broke from the COM
pany, and the resolution was passed with a
shout of assent.
seemed like dream, and they could not
believe it true till they stood alone in the
winters night ON the track beside that
glorious $50" The few cars the engine had
brought up had been joined to the train, and
"59" had been rolled out ON the siding.
With many handshakings for John, and
hearty kisses for Kate, and round of part
Ing cheers for the two, the train had sped
away. The idlers had dispersed. .and none
fingered about the abandoned station save
the lovers. "59'' would stay that night on
the siding. and they had walked up the track
to bid it long farewell.
For few moments they stood in the glow
of the great lamp, and then he quietly put il
out, and left the giant to breathe away its
fiery life in gentle clouds Of white steam.
As for the lovers, they had no need of its
light. The winters stars shone upon them,
and the calm cold night seemed paradise
| below.